3 Techniques to Climb Past V4 (Part 1!) 💪

Here are 3 techniques that we think are absolutely essential to master, if you want to climb efficiently and break into the higher grades!

1️⃣Heel Hooks
They might seem simple on the surface, but are you using it effectively? You need to consider more than just slapping your heel up on a hold, if you want to get the most out of this:
✅ Think about where the hook will end up once you rock onto it, your heel will move, so make sure it's aiming for the right place to start with.
✅ Point your toes to create the 'hook'.
✅ This will help you engage your hamstring and really pull on the heel.

2️⃣Toe Hook
A bit more complex than the heel hook, but a really handy tool to master! First, consider where you place the top of your foot. You want to maximise the surface area of the hold and your shoe– so get it in there good, not just the tip toe. Think about creating tension with your leg, before you release your hands. If your leg is still bent when you release, it's harder to hold the tension and you will likely pop off the wall. Straighten your leg, drop your hips away from the hold and release your hands, really engaging with your leg.

3️⃣Flagging
This is something you should be familiar with, but might not be maximising! Try to practise the inside and outside flag on a problem or circuit board. Make every move into a flag so that you get used to the movement. Then, you can start to decide where it is most appropriate to move with maximum efficiency on the wall.

Got any tricks for mastering these techniques? Leave a comment!

#Bouldering #TrainingforClimbing #ClimbingTraining #ClimbingTips #BoulderingTips #ClimbingTechniques #BoulderingTechniques

[Lukemasonmedia]

Think I forget to focus on pointing my toe down with heel hooks, thanks!

[autumnschenck]

Thank you for this! My footwork is totally holding me back rn. There are so many small things like flagging and shifting my hips that could just make everything easier, but I never can think of what to do when I'm actually on the wall. I'm just like "why's this so hard, my feet are on the holds😭"

[godzilla]

Is it weird if I’m pulling my Cavs when I heel hook?